The fierce and powerful Neapolitan Mastiff, or simply referred to as Neo or Mastino, has been around for a very long time and was bred as guard dogs in southern Italy.
It was developed as a working dog and was once believed to have served with the Roman Soldiers as a war dog.
Despite its reputation, this droopy looking warrior is considered as a “gentle” giant nowadays. Because of its protective nature, families consider getting it as both a house pet and security guard.
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The Price of a Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neos are being sold around $1,500 to $3,500 wherein the prices may be affected by factors such as breeder reputation, health warranties, and prior health checkups and registrations.
At AKC Marketplace, you can get to choose a range of Neo puppies from some of the most reputable AKC registered breeders that may guarantee their quality and health. Be sure to ask the breeders all information and conditions you need to know before buying them.
You can also choose to adopt as an option. The Adopt-a-Pet offers Neos waiting to be rescued. Who knows, the dog that you rescue might potentially rescue you as well when the need arises.
Other One-Time Costs of Having a Neapolitan Mastiff
Besides the Neapolitan Mastiff price, there are other set of needs you should consider to pay upfront upon purchasing your new pet dog. Most notable are the following:
- Health Certificate and Registration
Getting a health certificate requires you to have your dog undergo procedures such as health tests and vaccinations. These tests include the physical exam (which should depend on the dog breed, not just a “look-see” exam), deworming, and rabies vaccination. Neos specifically undergo tests such as hip and elbow evaluation, cardiac, and ophthalmologist exams.
Health certificates are usually priced at around $38 and above depending on the purpose and the vet specific fees.
When it comes to registrations, AKC offers online applications that range from basic to more comprehensive packages ranging around $34.99 to $79.99.
- Transportation Costs
Due to some restrictions in shipping large dog breeds, most airlines would not attempt to transport Neos. Fortunately, some sellers would go the extra mile but may cost you an additional $500 or higher on top of your purchase cost.
- Training
Neos have the temperament of being protectors, and they can be territorial as they tend to be aggressive towards strangers or other dogs. If you are buying adult Neos, make sure they are well socialized with people and are conditioned to be with children.
Some training schools offer a 1-week boarding with specialized dog training courses for a price starting at $1,800. These courses include training best suited for each dog breed. For Neos, not only will they get to socialize but they will learn discipline and maximize their potential as guard dogs.
Lifetime Expenses for Neos
- Food and diet
When it comes to food and diet, make sure that you buy dog foods that contain high-protein and low-fat ingredients. Since they are big dogs, they require protein-rich food that will fuel their bodies. Their size can also be a factor as they are prone to get obese if fed with high fat-containing foods, so be sure to keep an eye on this one.
You should be able to feed them at least 6-7 cups a day which can be divided into two meals a day. Make sure to distribute the proper amount accordingly to provide them with their daily nutrition.
You can shop online for dog foods that are best for Neos. Just make sure your dog food of choice meets the required nutrition and quality. Prices of high-quality recommended dog foods especially for Neos range from $64.99 for 44-lb. bag of CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food to $78.99 for the 25-lb. bag of Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food.
- Vet and other health related costs
Neos are no exception when it comes to inheriting and developing genetic diseases due to the limited gene pool of its breed. They are likely to develop diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, fold dermatitis (due to the folds of the skin) and the most serious, cardiomyopathy.
Visiting the vet can help you get a better idea on the health condition of your pet. A simple physical exam that typically cost $50 to $70 can provide you with the necessary information you need to take care of your dogs.
Make sure to remember that every dog should be monitored and assessed differently depending on its breed and genes. Don’t settle for just a look-see examination but rather ask your vet to conduct a full physical exam.
- Grooming and hygiene
Neos come in short, dense, straight coats with colors that come in solid Grey (or blue), black, mahogany and tawny. Their coats don’t shed too much and a weekly brush and bath routine can keep their coats clean. When bathing them though, make sure to get into their skin folds as they tend to get dirty over time.
That once a week grooming should include checking and cleaning the folds of skins, ears, teeth. For the price range of $6.99 to $16.99, you can get good quality brushes. The recommended shampoos for Neos that contain hypoallergenic solutions are priced at around $11.99 to $209.25 from a 20-oz. bottle to a plentiful 5-gallon variant.
Other Tips and Information About Neapolitan Mastiff
Neos are among one of the largest of the largest dog breeds. Weighing in at 150 – 200 lbs. and stretching up to 29”, some breeders consider them as the second to the biggest of all, the Great Dane.
One downside of them though would be their short lifespan of just 8-10 years, as much as any other large dog breeds. Despite that, Neos are good dog breeds that have strong, highly capable and loving character. They make good bodyguards as well as best friends.
Because of their “guard dog” instinct, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. The need for socialization should be introduced at an early age since they can be protective and territorial. So if you have a lot of visitors or neighbors visiting you regularly, you might want to get them accustomed to that kind of setting.
Neos should not be taken lightly as pets and they should not be the first choice of first-time dog owners. However, if you are an experienced dog-owner, they can be great as your next pet. Because of their laid-back attitude and protectiveness, owning one might mean having your guardian angel for a dog.
